Anglers come from all walks of life, it is native to humans, who began as hunters and gatherers. Whether in fresh, brackish or sea water, the excitement of testing the ability to outsmart the hidden creatures is always there. In angling, as in any hunting pursuit, bigger and stronger is better, and Key West tarpon fishing provides very big opponents.
The Silver King, one of the most common monikers for Megalops atlanticus is a large fish by any standard. It can each over 8 feet in length and weigh as much as 350 pounds. This makes it a worthy challenge for any fisherman, experienced or novice. In addition, these fish are known as superb fighters.
This species, scientifically named Megalops atlanticus is considered vulnerable as its numbers have seen a 30 percent drop in the past five decades. Over fishing of adults and habitat loss account for the damage, so it is now a regulated animal in the US. Fortunately, the fish is too bony for the American pallet, and the catch and release policy is working.
Another reason the fish is such a popular sport fish is that it feeds night and day, and because it cannot bight off chunks For sportsmen, one of the thrills is that it feeds day and night, and it has small teeth, so it cannot bite off chunks of food. It takes the bait-fish whole, to the delight of anglers, who use barb-less hooks to reduce injury to the fish.
It is not the most glamorous sea creature and is rarely sensationalized in Hollywood films, the way Marlin or sharks are depicted. This is undoubtedly good for the strength of its numbers. For the avid angler however, it should be known that this is a species that can provide the same level of physical challenge and thrill as the more famous open ocean counterparts.
Despite its voracious appetite and 24 hour feeding cycle, it is not easy to hook, nor is it a casual effort to bring to the boat. The fish will hit lures, flies or bait, if it is presented in front of them at the appropriate time. One common mistake is to cast the bait directly as the cruising pack, which they will likely ignore, as food fish normally swims away from predators, not toward them.
If one can aim well, given the startling visual impact of numerous six to eight foot specimens cruising directly toward the angler. Setting the hook for these enormous catches is also different, it is better to set the hook with several measured yanks instead of one large one. Finally, these fish leap from the water; the tactic is to aim the pole directly at the fish when it jumps.
To find the fish as they cruise over a wide area, one looks for the telltale leaping of bait fish jumping and thrashing to avoid the chasing school. If one manages to bring in one of these behemoths, a well deserved photograph is in order. But to preserve the Key West tarpon fishing experience for future anglers, a quick release is imperative.
The Silver King, one of the most common monikers for Megalops atlanticus is a large fish by any standard. It can each over 8 feet in length and weigh as much as 350 pounds. This makes it a worthy challenge for any fisherman, experienced or novice. In addition, these fish are known as superb fighters.
This species, scientifically named Megalops atlanticus is considered vulnerable as its numbers have seen a 30 percent drop in the past five decades. Over fishing of adults and habitat loss account for the damage, so it is now a regulated animal in the US. Fortunately, the fish is too bony for the American pallet, and the catch and release policy is working.
Another reason the fish is such a popular sport fish is that it feeds night and day, and because it cannot bight off chunks For sportsmen, one of the thrills is that it feeds day and night, and it has small teeth, so it cannot bite off chunks of food. It takes the bait-fish whole, to the delight of anglers, who use barb-less hooks to reduce injury to the fish.
It is not the most glamorous sea creature and is rarely sensationalized in Hollywood films, the way Marlin or sharks are depicted. This is undoubtedly good for the strength of its numbers. For the avid angler however, it should be known that this is a species that can provide the same level of physical challenge and thrill as the more famous open ocean counterparts.
Despite its voracious appetite and 24 hour feeding cycle, it is not easy to hook, nor is it a casual effort to bring to the boat. The fish will hit lures, flies or bait, if it is presented in front of them at the appropriate time. One common mistake is to cast the bait directly as the cruising pack, which they will likely ignore, as food fish normally swims away from predators, not toward them.
If one can aim well, given the startling visual impact of numerous six to eight foot specimens cruising directly toward the angler. Setting the hook for these enormous catches is also different, it is better to set the hook with several measured yanks instead of one large one. Finally, these fish leap from the water; the tactic is to aim the pole directly at the fish when it jumps.
To find the fish as they cruise over a wide area, one looks for the telltale leaping of bait fish jumping and thrashing to avoid the chasing school. If one manages to bring in one of these behemoths, a well deserved photograph is in order. But to preserve the Key West tarpon fishing experience for future anglers, a quick release is imperative.
About the Author:
When you want the finest Key West tarpon fishing in the region, click www.keywestflats.net. For more details on Captain Mike Bartlett and his services, visit the main site today at http://www.keywestflats.net.
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